The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) celebrated its Foundation Day in New Delhi today, honoring prominent figures across agriculture, industry, and media for their exceptional contributions. Among those recognized for their impactful work were two distinguished journalists, Harvir Singh, Editor-in-Chief of a leading agriculture magazine, and Prabhudatt Mishra, Deputy Editor of a national English daily, both lauded for their significant contributions to agricultural journalism.
Harvir Singh, with his decades of experience and previous roles at major media houses, has been a pivotal voice in bringing crucial rural and agricultural issues into the national spotlight. His dedicated reporting has earned him considerable acclaim from prestigious organizations like the FAO and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Similarly, Prabhudatt Mishra, a seasoned journalist with nearly 30 years in the field, is highly regarded for his insightful and in-depth reporting on complex agricultural trade and policy matters.
Dr. W.S. Lakra, Secretary of NAAS, commended both journalists for their unwavering commitment to covering the agriculture sector, acknowledging their sustained efforts in informing and shaping public discourse around critical farming issues. The event, marking 35 years since the establishment of NAAS, also featured a compelling keynote lecture by Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, who delivered an address on the pertinent theme of “One Health: Guiding Our Future,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
This recognition by NAAS underscores the vital role of agricultural journalism in bridging the gap between research, policy, and the farming community, ensuring that the challenges and triumphs of India’s agricultural backbone receive the attention they deserve.
In the vast fields of India, where farming is more than just an occupation—it’s a way of life—AgroStar has emerged as a game-changer. From a simple missed-call service to India’s largest digital farmer network, AgroStar has empowered over 5 million farmers with expert advice, high-quality agri-inputs, and an engaged online community.
But how did two brothers, Shardul and Sitanshu Sheth, turn a bold idea into a thriving agritech powerhouse? Let’s dive into AgroStar’s inspiring journey! 🚀
The Problem: A Farmer’s Struggle
For decades, Indian farmers have faced three major challenges:
❌ Lack of access to high-quality seeds & fertilizers ❌ Limited technical knowledge & expert support ❌ Unreliable supply chains
The result? Lower yields, financial losses, and uncertainty.
AgroStar saw this as an opportunity to solve a critical problem using technology-driven solutions.
💡The Beginning: A Simple Yet Powerful Idea
In 2013, AgroStar was launched as a missed-call-based service to provide farmers with direct access to agricultural products and advisory services.
🎯 Farmers could call AgroStar, receive agronomic advice, and order agri-inputs—all from their feature phones!
🚜 The Impact? A growing number of farmers trusted the platform for genuine products and real-time support.
💡The Digital Revolution: AgroStar’s Growth Story
As smartphone penetration grew in rural India, AgroStar evolved into a full-fledged digital agronomy platform with:
✅ AI-driven content 📸—Farmers can upload crop pictures and get expert guidance. ✅ Voice search-enabled e-commerce 🛒—Making agri-inputs easily accessible. ✅ A thriving farmer community 👨🌾—Where farmers share knowledge & experiences.
With a multilingual mobile app, AgroStar has transformed how farmers engage with technology, bridging the gap between innovation and tradition.
💡The Business Model: A Perfect Blend of Tech & Retail
💰 Funding & Expansion: AgroStar has raised over $111M, with a $70M Series D round in 2022 from investors like Evolvence, Schroders, Hero Enterprise, and Accel.🏪 Physical Stores Expansion: From 1,000+ retail stores today to 5,000 in the next two years, AgroStar is strengthening its omnichannel presence.🌱 Private Label Products: The startup is expanding its in-house brand offerings, providing customized solutions for Indian farmers.
💡Impact: Farmers First, Always!
AgroStar’s mission is simple yet powerful—Helping Farmers Win! 🚀
📊 82% of farmers reported increased productivity 📈 73% found no better alternative
With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and farmer empowerment, AgroStar is reshaping Indian agriculture, one farm at a time.
💡The Future: What’s Next?
🚀 AI-powered crop advisory services 🚀 Market linkages to boost farmer incomes 🚀 A stronger supply chain for agricultural inputs
As AgroStar continues to scale, one thing is clear—technology will play a pivotal role in the future of Indian agriculture.
What do you think about agritech’s role in India’s farming future?
